There are many things that come to one’s mind when you hear the term “Cannabis Culture ”.
For instance, some people may instantly envision the pot leaf symbol while others hear echoes of 4:20, but where did these iconic parts of the cannabis culture originate?
The Rise of 420
The 420 phenomenon all started in 1971 in Marin County, California by a group of teens called “The Waldos” (Mark Gravitch, Dave Reddix, and Steve Capper). They earned their nickname for hanging out against a wall. The Waldos have gone to provide postmarked letters, signs, and a 420 flag to prove their stake in cannabis history.
The reason for 4:20 was due to its convenience. The teenage boys would meet after school at 4:20 at the Louis Pasteur statue, light up some cannabis before going off in search of the then infamous “lost pot crop” of a former marine somewhere in Point Reyes.
Despite popular rumours, 420 is not a police code for cannabis violations, nor is the amount of compounds within the cannabis plant, and definitely not in reference to Bob Dylan’s song, “Rainy Day Woman.”
Ganja Selfies
During the dawn of technology age, cannabis support has skyrocketed in large parts thanks to social media. People wear marijuana apparel and have proudly raised their support across social media for many years as a stance against the prohibition.
When we look at sites such as Pinterest or Instagram, it’s no surprise that there are endless categories of cannabis tags which appear with a simple search– pulling up thousands of images. Joints, bongs, vapes, pipes, buds, full plants, oils, shatter, dabs, edibles and an assortment of other cannabis items will dominate your screen.
With the decriminalization of weed in some country and others which are fully legalizing its use, we are seeing a huge social movement and acceptance of cannabis which is growing faster each day. You may start noticing new social platforms specific for the culture (Massroots), websites, online media and advertising for the products.
Array of Paraphernalia
Some die-hard cannabis lovers make it a mission to acquire the latest or most obscure cannabis paraphernalia. While it is very common for most users to own one or more devices for different methods such as a bong, hookah, vape or pipe. Other users spend days searching tiny shops or pouring over web pages finding the perfect pieces to add to their collection.
Paraphernalia Checklist for the Die Hard Stoner:
- Bong
- Vape
- Pipe
- Rig
- Hookah
- Toke Stone
- Roach Clips
- Grinder
- Rolling Papers
- One Hitter/Chillum
- Cleaner/Brushes
Consumption Connoisseur
Much like a lover of fine wine or food, there are cannabis connoisseurs.
These users spend a fair amount of time and money finding the strain(s) that are most suited to their palate or collecting a variety of different methods to consume cannabis.
Consumption of cannabis can come in many forms: buds, wax/shatter/dabs, crystal, oil (for inhalation), CBD oil (oral tincture), edibles which range from savoury meals, delectable sweets, refreshing drinks and even laid back candies.
Pot Leaf Pride
Much like the image being used today, the pot leaf symbol has been around for centuries: From a cave painting in Kyushu Japan, the Jomon period (10,000 to 300 BC), to the ancient Egyptian goddess Seshat, Pharaoh Tuthmosis III (1479 to 1425 B.C.E.) called as the deity of “the seven points”, the pot symbol has been prominent among numerous societies.
Fast forward to today and the amount of pot leaf apparel, accessories, and merchandise have reached the commercial market from clothing, jewellery, bags, and many other dry goods.
When Will Cannabis Culture Become Fully Mainstream?
Once avid cannabis lovers hit their local shop where they can join fine dining, cannabis and great conversations legally (much like foodies or wine experts), only then will cannabis culture be fully embraced by both society and the mainstream public.
Hopefully, this picture of acceptance will be a reality with the rapid movement of the Marijuana Revolution happening today.
Have you openly embraced the cannabis culture and partake in it socially or do you prefer to keep it private?
If so why? Let us know what you think below!
- Cannabis Culture – Love, Live, Weed - July 1, 2016
- 8 Cannabis Events Leading the Revolution - June 2, 2016
- Did You Know There are 3 Cannabis Strains? Find out the Details & How They are Different - May 21, 2016
